Bengals-Redskins matchup to watch: A.J. Green vs. Josh Norman

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 25: A.J. Green #18 of the Cincinnati Bengals carries the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at Paul Brown Stadium on September 25, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 25: A.J. Green #18 of the Cincinnati Bengals carries the ball during the fourth quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at Paul Brown Stadium on September 25, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Bengals WR A.J. Green vs. Redskins CB Josh Norman

Norman might be the best cornerback Green has never faced, and the Bengals wide receiver is hoping that changes this weekend after Norman suffered a concussion in last week’s loss at Detroit.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Green said. “You always want to go against the best.”

The only other time the two were scheduled to meet in 2014, neither played. Norman, then with Carolina, sat out with a concussion, and Green was inactive with a toe injury for the 37-37 tie at Paul Brown Stadium.

Even though Green, who leads the NFL with 50 receptions and is second with 775 receiving yards, has never faced Norman, he’s watched enough tape to know what he will be getting into Sunday in London.

“He’s a long corner with long arms, that’s what you want in a corner,” Green said. “He’s physical. He can run.”

The most interesting aspect of the matchup might be what happens between plays rather than during them. Norman is known for trash talking and getting in guys’ faces. And sometimes taking it even a step farther, as was the case in his nasty, flag-fueled duel with the Giants’ Odell Beckham last year.

“To each his own,” Green said. “Some guys need that. Odell is a guy that’s an emotional guy. He plays at a high level. That’s what gets him going.

“I don’t let anybody get in my head,” Green added. “They can do whatever they want after I beat them a couple of times. I don’t care what they do.”

Another aspect of the matchup worth watching will be whether it’s an all-day affair.

The Redskins took a lot of heat after the Week 1 loss to Pittsburgh, where Norman stayed on one side of the field instead of following Steelers Pro Bowler Antonio Brown wherever he went.

Green doesn’t think that will be the case Sunday.

“That’s what they pay him for, and he’s doing a good job,” Green said. “He followed Marv (Jones). So we’ll see.”

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